Old cinema’s new life as community church

Jul 17 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

PRAYERS appear to have been answered when the Allanpark Cinema was promised a new lease of life.

Destiny Church moved into the prominent building earlier this year, taking over the upstairs section while Carlton Bingo retained the lower level.

The cinema had been closed since April 2008, having tried to keep going when the multiplex Vue cinema was launched at Forthside in January of the same year.

Over the years the building has survived World War Two, two major fires and several refurbishments.

But now it is drawing the crowds in a different capacity.

Destiny Church Stirling pastor Gordon MacKintosh said: “This was really the only building we were interested in in Stirling. We looked at different ones but this just felt ideal for us. In terms of our music and presentation we are quite contemporary.

“Because of the style of church we are, a cinema is an ideal building for us, and it is a great central location which will help us with our aims to help service the community.

“Some people may not have been to church before, but chances are they will have been in a cinema, so perhaps it seems a bit more inviting for them.”

As well as the main auditorium, the church also uses the second auditorium for the children. Among its ideas is to develop that space for more youth activities.

“Because it still has the screens we could be showing films etc.

“At the moment we haven’t done a great deal to change the inside of the building and we will be taking our time to think exactly how best to use all this great space.

“There is a lot of room for growth for us and we really see it as a long term venue, depending on what happens with the lease.”

One of the charities supported by the church is Joint Aid Management. JAM provides meals for almost half a million African children through school feeding programmes.

Recently the church opened its doors for a special screening of Mamma Mia to raise funds for the charity.

And it also welcomes people and groups who think they could make some use of the space.

Gordon added: “For us it’s more about being a service for the community and building bridges with them. It’s about the message of love your neighbour.

“Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan so it’s about being able to help the community, both spiritually and in a practical way. A church is really about people, be it in the church or the community. God’s priority is people.

“Upstairs in the building we have an area which we are turning into a storehouse for food etc, and we also have our phoneline to Destiny Angels, who are volunteers from within the church. They all go through Disclosure Scotland checks etc.

“We can take calls and requests from people with any number of difficulties, whether people are struggling to afford food or are just lonely and want a chat they can contact the helpline.

“We aren’t trying to take over from other agencies, but just trying to ensure we are here for anyone who falls through the gaps or who might feel it’s easier to us in the first instance.

“If there is an issue we feel unable to deal with we will pass it on to an approved agency.

“We would also appreciate any contributions of non-perishable food and items we can store, which can then be distributed to the needy when necessary. It’s an idea which first started in our church in Glasgow and which has now been taken up by others in Inverness etc.

“There’s no strings attached. You don’t have to be a Christian or anything to help out or to ask for our help.

“It can be anyone from an elderly person on their own who needs a shelf put up or someone dealing with an issue who doesn’t quite know how to get the help they need.”

The church attracts and welcomes people from all cultures and of all nationalities.

“Africans in particular are very family orientated and very warm and engaging.

“We also try to get people involved quite quickly with teams, either on a Sunday or through the weeks, using their gifts. We like to get people both to network and to get involved in practical ways.

“As things continue to grow we would like to see us having more and more impact on the community and being more visible. The challenge has been when you come in as a relatively small group and have a lot to do to the building itself, but we have kept going.

“Developing things for key age groups is another aim. We already have groups that meet in Alloa, Perth, Stirling University etc.

Curious

“It is always great to meet anyone new people at any of our events, whether they have an active faith in God or are just curious, including at our main Sunday morning meeting.

“Kids are welcome and are an important part of what we are doing, with creche and Sunday school programmes running for all ages. We encourage our children to be actively involved, with some of our teenagers serving as part of the multimedia team in the main meetings.

“And if we can help anyone in any way we would love to hear from them.”

For further information on Destiny Church in Stirling telephone (01786) 448149 or 08452 300 152, email: info@destinystirling.com or go to www.destinystirling.com

The church is running a free kids film club every Friday until August 7 at 10.30am, with a wide range of popular films suitable for primary age children. Parents and guardians are welcome. Under eights must be accompanied by adults.

A barbecue is being held on Saturday July 25 at 1pm in Kings Park in Stirling. Everyone is welcome for the fun filled family event with activities for the children.

Garry Brotherston will be speaking in the church on Wednesday July 29 at 7.30pm. From a violent past, Garry’s story is a dramatic example of a changed life. Caught up in a street fight during his teens, Garry served an 11 year prison sentence for murder. Following a life changing experience in prison he has since lived a radically different life. He is also an accomplished songwriter and will sing songs from his latest album.

An evening of contemporary praise and worship is being held on August 30 at 6pm.